Teams Beginning To Show Interest in Talbot After Strong Season

While the New York Rangers backup goaltender, Cam Talbot, signed a one-year contract extension, which carries him over to the 2015-16 season, his statistics this past season show the potential of a starter.

Finishing the 2014-15 season with five shutouts, a .926 save percentage and 2.21 goals against average, the 27-year-old goalie has had a commendable career with the Rangers thus far. But, in the Big Apple, there is only room for one “King”, and that is Henrik Lundqvist.

Talbot became a critical part of the Rangers roster this year, when Lundqvist suffered a severe neck injury in February that kept him out of action until late March, stepping up to the plate in order to keep the Rangers on their path towards earning the President’s Trophy.

His performance even won him the 2014-15 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award—voted for by fans as the player who “goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

However, his outstanding performance this year not only got the Garden-faithful all riled up, it also attracted attention from several teams in dire need of a goaltending upgrade.

The Rangers management was wise enough to extend Talbot’s contract mid-way through the season; needless to say once he becomes a free agent, the result will likely be a bidding war between teams in dire need of goaltending. But, even with an extended contract, he is a hot commodity for teams looking to trade.

While there have been rumors that the Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, and Calgary Flame are interested in trading for the goaltender, there has been a sense of hesitancy from the Rangers front office after a strong season between the posts.

If the tides should not change before the start of the 2015-16 hockey season, Rangers fans can expect to see Talbot get a little bit more ice time next season as even “kings” need their rest now and then.